SPONSORED POST: Sweet and Tangy Late Summer Squash Quinoa

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Two days ago on our morning walk, Tim and I put on sweatshirts. Yesterday, I pulled out my boots for the first time since May. Today, the window’s open in the bathroom, and even from the next room over, I can smell the fresh air and feel a cool breeze coming in (the high today in Nashville was 72 degrees). What’s more, down the hall and in the kitchen, the oven is on, and I have a pot filled with root vegetables boiling on the stove. Fall is here, officially and obviously, and I’ve been dressing, eating and, what I’m trying to say, I guess, is enjoying this new season, even when it means summer’s gone.

But before we get too deep in changing leaves, could I get one last hurrah for summer? I hate to say it as a lifelong October lover, but sometimes I’m nostalgic for the season that ends (besides winter). And while I was all set to pack away this late summer squash recipe for next year, our Monday CSA pickup brought a few more of the yellow squash we’ve been seeing the last few weeks. So I thought maybe you wouldn’t mind if I slipped this late summer squash quinoa dish in? You could, of course, swap out the yellow squash with a nice winter one, cubed and roasted with oil until it’s caramelized. You could, also, decide to go elsewhere for a recipe featuring pumpkin or apples. I’ll understand.

For now, here’s a quinoa dish we enjoyed before the temperatures dropped and the days shortened. It’s a reminder of the beauty that was, even as we walk forward into the beauty that is and the kind that is to come.

Sweet and Tangy Summer Squash Quinoa
Serves two to three

The truth is, more evenings than not, Tim and I eat a simple dinner of roasted vegetables or salad or quinoa like this. So while for us, this could be an entree; for you, it might make a nice side dish. Either way, it’s as simple as it is a tasty blend of flavors and textures—at once sweet and tangy, soft yet with a crunch.

Directions:
Begin by placing almonds in a pan over medium heat and toast until fragrant and golden. Remove from heat.

In a large skillet, melt a teaspoon of coconut oil over medium heat; add chopped squash, diced onion, smashed garlic cloves, chopped jalapeno and chopped green pepper. Cook until soft, adding a few shakes of salt and pepper and stirring as you do.

Combine vegetable hash, toasted almonds and cooked quinoa in a large bowl. Add raisins, juice of one lemon and torn or chopped basil leaves. Mix together and adjust salt and pepper to taste.

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Shanna Mallon started Food Loves Writing back in 2008, as a way to remember her grandma and write about her life through food. Since then it's become a place leading her to a lifestyle of eating whole foods, a new home in Nashville and the love of her life, Tim. Follow Shanna on Twitter @foodloves, keep up with Food Loves Writing on Facebook and stay inspired with the monthly newsletter.

I made a quinoa and butternut squash and apple combo not too long ago, was amazingly good.. It’s funny how you and the rest of North America are bidding farewell to summer & its produce, and then embracing squash, pumpkins, apples and thanksgiving treats with such fury. Here in Argentina, we’re happily waving goodbye to what’s been a long-enough winter and welcoming Spring with wide-open arms. Time for lighter foods although I always love seeing recipes that pop up from those with opposite seasons!

Felicia, That is one of my favorite parts of blogging: realizing how big the world is. I love hearing about the different weather occurring in different parts of the globe. Reminds me what a small part of it I am. Thanks for letting me see into your world, here and elsewhere online. I’m glad for it!

I feel like we’re in that weird in-between time. Sometimes I go outside and feel like an idiot for not taking a jacket and yet, I walk to the grocery store and still see fresh berries. I’m definitely all for making the most of these last few days : )

Kathryn, The other day I got lost searching AirBNB for rentals in Iceland, and that turned into rentals in London… : ) I like picturing it over there, with you not bringing a jacket and finding berries at the store, and I like knowing that in-between times are happening all over.

I’m more than happy to see a few more summer produce recipes. I’m still seeing the last of the summer squash and tomatoes in the markets and I am determined to make myself sick of eating them before they’re gone for the season!